Heartbeats in the shadow

in an instant. Valerie's heart raced as she sensed the confrontation spiraling out of control. Eric and

Eric to follow him. The stranger beside Fred watched wit

she called out, but the urgency of the moment

k, but his command fell on deaf ear

abbing Eric's arm just as he was about to follow Fred outside. "We can't c

"You think you've got it all figured out, don't you?"

," Eric said, his voice low but steady.

re is crumbling. You're just too blinded by your own arrogance to see it. You think you can run things by bullying everyone

coating his words. "You know the rules of this

he bar. "What are you going to do? Scare me? Send me to sleep with th

argument; it was a showdown for dominance, and her presence changed the stake

ention back to her. The intensity of his gaze softened ju

"If we go outside, we're giving him the advantag

tration and respect; he recognized her det

tracted long enough to figure out what he knows. Fred!

, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You really think I'd let th

e shot back, matching his gaze. "Because once we're done, you won't

back against the booth, arms crossed. "Fine. I'm intrigued. What a

ng it right. Tell us what you know about the rival gang's involvement. Because, tru

ting to see who would break first. Fred's bravado slipped for just a moment, reveal

ng to bluff us or someone with too much at stake. We can help you-or you

hink a few financial records will save your skin? The mom

e your ch